Method for blast freezing a product

ABSTRACT

A method for freezing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. Air is pulled through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. In addition, the air may be forced through the plenum, along the length of the space formed between the two rows and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly freezing a commodity positioned in the boxes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/336,900, filed on Jan. 23, 2006, which claimed priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/645,027, filed on Jan. 21, 2005,the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a method for blast freezing acommodity such as a food product.

2. Description of Background Art

It is common in the food industry to use a blast freezer to freezevarious food products. Normally, a blast freezer requires the use of anexpensive specially designed tunnel in which food products arepositioned on pallets within the tunnel. The tunnel is a freezer that ismaintained at a temperature of approximately −40° Fahrenheit (−40°Celsius). Air is blown or pushed onto the food products disposed in thetunnel to freeze the food products. However, as the cold air is firstblown or pushed towards the first pallet of food products to be frozen,the air is warmed by the temperature of the food products so that thesecond pallet in the row is exposed to a warmer air as compared to thefirst pallet of food products. This problem is exacerbated as air isblown or pushed towards the third pallet and thereafter the fourthpallet and subsequent pallets. Thus, the food products positioned on thelast pallet will be frozen at a different time as compared to foodproducts disposed directly adjacent to the air handler. After the foodproducts are frozen, the food products are transferred to a freezer thatis maintained at a temperature of approximately −20° Fahrenheit (−28.88°Celsius) or at a temperature of approximately −10° Fahrenheit (−23.33°Celsius).

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method fortreating a commodity, such as blast freezing a food product, by pullingair through and/or around pallets and through ventilation holes in boxesstacked on the pallets.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pluralityof pallets of the commodity that are formed in two rows with a spaceformed therebetween. A cover is positioned over the space to form aplenum. An air handler is positioned to pull air from between theplurality of pallets and through the ventilation holes in the boxesstacked on the pallets and along the length of the space formed betweenthe two rows for achieving an even flow of air for treating thecommodity positioned on the pallets.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a method for treating a commodity, such as blast freezing afood product, that includes positioning a plurality of boxes of acommodity arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. Forminga plenum between the two rows of boxes to permit a flow of air throughventilation holes in the boxes. Pulling air in a temperature range of 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.)through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of thespace formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom andproviding an even flow of air to evenly pull air through the ventilationholes in the boxes and along the length of the space formed between thetwo rows of boxes to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.

In an embodiment of the present invention, corrugated material may bepositioned underneath and/or between adjacent boxes to provide aventilation space therebetween.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a method to freeze a commodity including steps of providing afirst and second box of a commodity being disposed adjacent to eachother with a space formed therebetween. Forming a plenum between thefirst box and said second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes.Pulling air in a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.)through the boxes and along a length of the space formed between thefirst box and second box and discharging the air therefrom and providingan even flow of air to evenly pull air through the first box and thesecond box and along the length of the space formed between the firstand second boxes to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a method to freeze a commodity including the steps ofproviding a plurality of pallets of a commodity arranged in two rowshaving a predetermined length or height with a space formedtherebetween. Providing ventilation spacers underneath at least adjacentboxes positioned on the pallets wherein ventilation is providedtherebetween. Forming a plenum between the two rows of pallets wherein aflow of air is pulled through the ventilation spacers disposedunderneath the boxes on the pallets. Pulling air in a normal freezertemperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to −20 degrees F.(−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) through the ventilation spacerdisposed underneath the boxes and along a length of the space formedbetween the two rows and discharging the air therefrom and providing aneven flow of air to evenly pull air through the ventilation spacers andalong the length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets toevenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a method to freeze a commodity including positioning aplurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rows with a spaceformed therebetween. Forming a plenum between the two rows of boxes topermit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes. Forcing airin a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to−20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) along a lengthof the space formed between the two rows and through the ventilationholes in the boxes and discharging the air therefrom and providing aneven flow of air to evenly force air along the length of the spaceformed between the two rows of boxes and through the ventilation holesin the boxes to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a method to freeze a commodity including providing a first andsecond box of a commodity being disposed adjacent to each other with aspace formed therebetween. Forming a plenum between said first box andsaid second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes. Forcing airin a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to−20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) along a lengthof the space formed between the first box and second box and through theboxes and discharging the air therefrom and providing an even flow ofair to evenly force air along the length of the space between the firstand second boxes and through the first box and the second box to evenlyfreeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a method to freeze a commodity including providing a pluralityof pallets of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predeterminedlength or height with a space formed therebetween. Providing ventilationspacers underneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the palletswherein ventilation is provided therebetween. Forming a plenum betweensaid two rows of pallets wherein a flow of air is forced through theventilation spacers disposed underneath the boxes on the pallets.Forcing air in a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.)along a length of the space formed between the two rows and through theventilation spacer disposed underneath the boxes and discharging the airtherefrom and providing an even flow of air to evenly force air alongthe length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets andthrough the ventilation spacers to evenly freeze a commodity positionedin the boxes on the pallets.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a plurality of pallets of acommodity being spaced relative to each other and with an air handlerbeing disposed substantially in a central location relative to theplurality of pallets;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a plurality of pallets of a commodity beingspaced relative to each other and with an air handler being disposedsubstantially in a central location relative to the plurality ofpallets;

FIG. 3 is a end view of the pallets with a commodity stacked thereon;

FIG. 4 is a end elevational view of an air handler that is positionedbetween the two rows of pallets;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the air handler illustrated in FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the air handler illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a plurality of pallets of acommodity being spaced relative to each other and with an air handlerbeing disposed substantially in a central location relative to theplurality of pallets and with the spaces formed between adjacent palletsbeing covered;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a plurality of pallets of a commodity beingspaced relative to each other and with an air handler being disposedsubstantially in a central location relative to the plurality of palletsand the spaces formed between adjacent pallets being covered;

FIG. 9 is an end view illustrating a plurality of boxes that arearranged in rows and stacked with corrugated material being disposedunderneath and between adjacent boxes for permitting ventilation bypulling air underneath and between adjacent boxes;

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a plurality of boxes that arestacked on each other with corrugated material being disposed underneathand between adjacent boxes for permitting ventilation by pulling airunderneath and between adjacent boxes.

FIG. 11 is end view illustrating a plurality of boxes that are arrangedin rows and stacked with plastic formed spacer being disposed underneathadjacent boxes for permitting ventilation by pulling air underneathadjacent boxes;

FIG. 12 is an end view illustrating a plurality of boxes that arestacked on each other with wood slat spacers being disposed underneathadjacent boxes for permitting ventilation by pulling air underneathadjacent boxes;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a plurality of pallets of a commoditybeing spaced relative to each other according to a second embodimentwith air handlers being directly disposed to be in communication withthe plenum; and

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a plurality of pallets of acommodity being spaced relative to each other according to the secondembodiment wherein the air handlers are directly disposed to be incommunication with the plenum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, an apparatus 10 is provided for treating acommodity, such as blast freezing a food product. A plurality of pallets1A-5A, 1B-5B, 1C-5C and 1D-5D are provided with the commodity stacked onthe pallets and the pallets arranged in two rows I and II with a space Sformed therebetween. The term space means that the pallets aresubstantially equally disposed relative to each other to form acontinuous space between the pallets. In addition, the term space meansthat the pallets may be arranged at an angle with corners of the endpallets engaging each other and the space continuing to enlarge from theend pallets to an air handler 20.

A cover C is positioned to be placed on the space S or at least aportion of the top surface 12 of the commodities for sealing the tworows of pallets along the top surface. In one embodiment, the cover Ccan also extend along end surfaces 14, 16 for sealing the space Sbetween the two rows of pallets on the end surfaces 14, 16. The cover Cmay be a flexible tarp for positioning on space S or on the top surfaceof at least a portion of the commodities that is sucked up tight to makea seal as air is pulled through the space S formed between the palletsand through the ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on the pallets.In another embodiment, the cover C may be a more rigid board materialthat is positioned on the space S or on a portion of the top surface ofthe commodities.

As stated above, it is to be understood that the two rows I and II ofpallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B and 1C-5C, 1D-5D may be arranged in straight rowsas illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In another embodiment, the two rows Iand II may be formed at an angle wherein the end pallets of boxes 1A, 1Band 5C, 5D touch each other for closing the rows. This embodiment iscontemplated by the claims and is equivalent to positioning the cover Cover the ends of the two rows I and II of pallets for sealing the ends.

A plenum P is formed between the two rows I and II of the pallets 1A-5A,1B-5B and 1C-5C, 1D-5D with the plurality of pallets being spaced apart11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and 11D-14D from adjacent pallets to permit aflow of air therebetween. The boxes of commodities positioned on thepallets include a plurality of ventilation holes H for permitting air tobe pulled through the boxes as the commodity is blast frozen.

The air handler 20 is positioned between the two rows I and II ofpallets and is spaced along a length thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, the air handler 20 is disposed at approximately the mid-point ofthe two rows I and II. In other embodiments of the present invention,two or more air handlers 20 may be positioned along the length of thetwo rows I and II to ensure a proper flow of air between the pallets.The air handler 20 pulls air from between the plurality of pallets11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and 11D-14D and along a length of the space Sformed between the two rows I and II and discharges the air eitherupwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. The discharge of airupwardly permits the air that has been warmed by blast freezing acommodity to be discharged towards the ceiling in the room in which thepallets are positioned.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the air handler 20 includes a housing 22,24 that is approximately the size of a pallet loaded with boxes of acommodity. At least one fan 26 that is operatively connected to a motoris disposed within the housing for creating an even flow of air that ispulled from between adjacent pallets 11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and11D-14D and along the two rows I and II of the pallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B,1C-5C and 1D-5D and through the holes H in the boxes for evenly treatinga commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, two fans 26, 28 may be provided forcreating an even flow of air that is pulled between adjacent pallets11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and 11D-14D and along the two rows I and II ofthe pallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B, 1C-5C and 1D-5D and through the ventilationholes H in the boxes for evenly treating a commodity positioned in theboxes on the pallets.

By positioning the air handler 20 between the rows I and II of pallets,an even flow of air is achieved from between adjacent pallets 11A-14A,11B-14B, 11C-14C and 11D-14D and along the two rows I and II of thepallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B, 1C-5C and 1D-5D and through the holes H in theboxes for evenly treating a commodity positioned in the boxes on thepallets.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the cover C or tarps 32, 34 may besecured directly on the air handler 20 for permitting the cover C ortarps 32, 34 to be extended therefrom for covering the space S betweenthe boxes or at least a portion of a top surface 12 of the commoditiespositioned in the boxes disposed on the pallets. The cover C or tarps32, 34 may be rolled up for storage by using the handles 33, 35. In oneembodiment, the cover C or tarps 32, 34 may also extend along endsurfaces 14, 16 for sealing the space S between the two rows of palletsand the end surfaces 14, 16.

The apparatus 10 of the present invention may be used as a blast freezerfor freezing the commodity, such as a food product. By placing thepallets of food products in a normal freezer at a temperature in a rangeof approximately 8 degrees F. to −20° Fahrenheit (−13.33 degrees C. to−28.88° Celsius) and using an air handler 20 an even flow of air isachieved from between adjacent pallets 11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and11D-14D and through the ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on thepallets and along the two rows I and II of the pallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B,1C-5C and 1D-5D for evenly blast freezing a commodity positioned in theboxes on the pallets. Thereafter the products may be positioned into afreezer that is maintained at approximately −10° Fahrenheit (−23.33°Celsius).

A substantial savings in energy is achieved by using the presentinvention to blast freeze a product. The expensive, specially designedtunnel that is maintained at a low temperature of approximately −40°Fahrenheit (−40° Celsius) is no longer needed.

The present invention may be used with any number of pallets arranged instraight rows or in rows disposed at an angle relative to each other.The air handler 20 is portable for positioning the air handler 20 in awarehouse, a freezer, or in any environment for permitting the treatingof a commodity as the need arises. The present invention is not limitedfor use in a freezer. The present invention provides for blast freezingfor ensuring that a commodity is properly handled depending on theconditions required for the commodity.

The speed of blast freezing permits the present invention to process acommodity very quickly.

The blast freezing of a food product according to the present inventionoccurs within 36 hours at a temperature of approximately −8° Fahrenheit(−22.22° Celsius). This is to be compared to a conventional tunnel thatis used to blast freeze a food product in 72 hours at a temperature ofapproximately −40° Fahrenheit (−40° Celsius). Again, a substantialsaving occurs by reducing the time and the energy needed for blastfreezing the food product. Thus, a better turn over occurs to permitadditional food products to be blast frozen by using the presentinvention.

Pulling the air through the pallets makes it possible to form a plenumto block the air flow where needed by using a cover C or tarp that issucked up tight to make a seal with the space S as compared to providinga rigid structure. By pulling the air through the pallets and throughthe ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on the pallets the air flowseals the tarps to space S. In another embodiment, the cover C or tarpmay be positioned on a portion of the top surface of the boxes whereinthe seal with the space S is formed without the need of using a rigidstructure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, an apparatus 100 is provided fortreating a commodity, such as blast freezing a food product. A pluralityof pallets 101A-105A, 101B-105B, 101C-105C and 101D-105D are providedwith the commodity stacked on the pallets and the pallets arranged intwo rows I and II with a space S formed therebetween. The term spacemeans that the pallets are substantially equally disposed relative toeach other to form a continuous space between the pallets. In addition,the term space means that the pallets may be arranged at an angle withcorners of the end pallets engaging each other and the space continuingto enlarge from the end pallets to an air handler 20.

A cover C is positioned to be placed on the top of the space S and maybe positioned on at least a portion of the top surface 112 of thecommodities for sealing the two rows of pallets along the top surface.In one embodiment, the cover C can also extend along end surfaces 114,116 for sealing the space S between the two rows of pallets along theend surfaces 114, 116. The cover C may be a flexible tarp forpositioning on the space S or on the top surface of the commodities thatis sucked up tight to make a seal as an air flow is pulled through theventilation holes H. In another embodiment, the cover C may be a morerigid board material that is positioned on the top surface of the spaceS or on the commodities.

As stated above, it is to be understood that the two rows I and II ofpallets 101A-105A, 101B-105B and 101C-105C, 101D-105D may be arranged instraight rows as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. In another embodiment,the two rows I and II may be formed at an angle wherein the end palletsof boxes 101A, 101B and 105C, 105D touch each other for closing therows. This embodiment is contemplated by the claims and is equivalent topositioning the cover C over the ends of the two rows I and II ofpallets for sealing the ends.

A plenum P is formed between the two rows I and II of the pallets101A-105A, 101B-105B and 101C-105C, 101D-105D. The plurality of palletsmay be spaced apart with covers 111A-114A, 111B-114B, 111C-114C and111D-114D disposed in the space for blocking the flow of air. The covers111A-114A, 111B-114B, 111C-114C and 111D-114D may be positioned on theexterior of the two rows I and II of the pallets as illustrated in FIGS.7 and 8 for sealing the space formed between adjacent pallets. Inaddition, the covers 111A-114A, 111B-114B, 111C-114C and 111D-114D maybe positioned on the interior of the two rows I and II of the palletsfor sealing the space formed between adjacent pallets. The covers111A-114A, 111B-114B, 111C-114C and 111D-114D may be a tarp that issecured to adjacent pallets with Velcro. The space between adjacentpallets may be eliminated if the boxes are stacked on the pallets withthe boxes extending to the edge of the pallets so as to permit boxesstacked on adjacent pallets to touch each other. The boxes ofcommodities positioned on the pallets include a plurality of ventilationholes H for permitting air to be pulled through the boxes as thecommodity is blast frozen.

The air handler 200 is positioned between the two rows I and II ofpallets and is spaced along a length thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8, the air handler 200 is disposed at approximately the mid-point ofthe two rows I and II. In other embodiments of the present invention,two or more air handlers 200 may be positioned along the length of thetwo rows I and II to ensure a proper flow of air through the ventilationholes in the boxes stacked on the pallets. The air handler 200 pulls airfrom through the ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on the palletsand along a length of the space S formed between the two rows I and IIand discharges the air either upwardly, horizontally or downwardlytherefrom. The discharged air that has been warmed by blast freezing acommodity may be discharged towards the ceiling and/or horizontallyand/or downwardly in the room in which the pallets are positioned.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of the present inventionwherein a plurality of boxes 200′ are arranged in rows and stacked withcorrugated material 202 being disposed underneath the boxes 200′ andcorrugated material 204 being disposed between adjacent boxes 200′ forpermitting ventilation by pulling air underneath and between adjacentboxes. The term underneath means that the corrugated material 202extends between two boxes 200′ stacked in a vertical direction whereinair is pulled between the space formed by the corrugated material 202over the top of a box 200′ that is positioned below the corrugatedmaterial 202 and air is also pulled between the space formed by thecorrugated material 202 under the bottom of a box 200′ that ispositioned vertically above the lower box 200′ and above the corrugatedmaterial 202. The corrugated material 202, 204 may be similar to eggcarton separators that are used in stacking eggs in a box. In thepresent invention, the corrugated material 202, 204 provides an airspace for permitting ventilation underneath and between the boxes 200′to enable air to be pulled therethrough to permit blast freezing of acommodity contained in the boxes 200′.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plurality of boxes200′ do not include ventilation holes. The boxes 200′ are constructed ofcardboard or other material and the boxes 200′ are stacked on eachother. The corrugated material 202, 204 that is disposed underneath andbetween adjacent boxes permits ventilation by enabling air to be pulledunderneath and between adjacent boxes.

It is also contemplated by the present invention to permit thecorrugated material 202, 204 to be used together with the boxes that docontain ventilation holes as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7. In thisembodiment, air would be pulled through the ventilation holes in theboxes. In addition, due to the positioning of the corrugated material202, 204 underneath and between the boxes, air would also be pulledunderneath and between adjacent boxes to permit blast freezing of acommodity contained in the boxes 200′.

The configuration of the present invention affords an opportunity toutilize aisle ways in a freezer or to utilize an individual room in afreezer to blast freeze a commodity.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 the plurality of boxes 300 donot include ventilation holes. The boxes 300 are constructed ofcardboard or other material and the boxes 300 are stacked on each otherand positioned on a pallet 310. Plastic formed spacers 302 are disposedunderneath adjacent boxes for permitting ventilation by enabling air tobe pulled underneath adjacent boxes.

It is also contemplated by the present invention to permit the plasticformed spacers 302 to be used together with the boxes that do containventilation holes as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7. In thisembodiment, air would be pulled through the ventilation holes in theboxes. In addition, due to the positioning of the plastic formed spacers302 underneath the boxes, air would also be pulled underneath adjacentboxes 300 positioned above the plastic formed spacers 302 and above theboxes 300 positioned below the plastic formed spacers 302 to permitblast freezing of a commodity contained in the boxes 300.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 the plurality of boxes 400 donot include ventilation holes. The boxes 400 are constructed ofcardboard or other material and the boxes 400 are stacked on each otherand positioned on a pallet 410. Wood slat spacers 402 are disposedunderneath adjacent boxes for permitting ventilation by enabling air tobe pulled underneath adjacent boxes 400 positioned above the wood slatspacers 402 and above the boxes 400 positioned below the wood slatspacers 402.

It is also contemplated by the present invention to permit the wood slatspacers 402 to be used together with the boxes that do containventilation holes as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7. In thisembodiment, air would be pulled through the ventilation holes in theboxes. In addition, due to the positioning of the wood slat spacers 402underneath the boxes, air would also be pulled underneath adjacent boxesto permit blast freezing of a commodity contained in the boxes 400.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 a second embodiment of the presentinvention is set forth wherein a plurality of pallets 601A-610A and601B-610B of a commodity are spaced relative to each other with airhandlers 600, 602 being directly disposed to be in communication withthe plenum P.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, an apparatus 500 is provided fortreating a commodity, such as blast freezing a food product. Theplurality of pallets 601A-610A and 601B-610B are provided with thecommodity stacked on the pallets and the pallets arranged in two rowswith a space S formed therebetween. The term space means that thepallets are substantially equally disposed relative to each other toform a continuous space between the pallets. In addition, the term spacemeans that the pallets may be arranged at an angle with corners of theend pallets engaging each other and the space continuing to enlarge fromthe end pallets to each of the air handlers 600, 602.

A cover C is positioned to be placed on at least the top of the space Sor on at least a portion of the top surface of the commodities forsealing the two rows of pallets along the top surface. In oneembodiment, the cover C can also extend along end surfaces for sealingthe two rows of pallets along the space S of the end surfaces. The coverC may be a flexible tarp for positioning on the top surface of the spaceS or on the top surface of the commodities that is sucked up tight tomake a seal as air is pulled through the space S formed between thepallets and through the ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on thepallets. In another embodiment, the cover C may be a more rigid boardmaterial that is positioned on space S or on the top surface of thecommodities.

As stated above, it is to be understood that the two rows of pallets601A-610A and 601B-610B may be arranged in straight rows as illustratedin FIG. 13. In another embodiment, the two rows I and II may be formedat an angle wherein the end pallets of boxes 601A, 601B and 610A, 610Btouch each other for closing the rows. This embodiment is contemplatedby the claims and is equivalent to positioning the cover C over the endsof the two rows of pallets for sealing the ends.

A plenum P is formed between the two rows of the pallets 601A-610A and601B-610B with the plurality of pallets being spaced apart 601A-610A and601B-610B from adjacent pallets to permit a flow of air therebetween.The boxes of commodities positioned on the pallets include a pluralityof ventilation holes for permitting air to be pulled through the boxesas the commodity is blast frozen.

The air handlers 600, 602 are positioned on top of and between the tworows of pallets to be in communication with the plenum P. The airhandlers 600, 602 may be spaced along a length of the plenum P accordingto the needs of a particular freezing operation. As illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14, the air handlers 600, 602 are disposed at approximately theone-third point along the two rows to ensure a proper flow of airbetween the pallets. The air handlers 600, 602 include motors 632, 634,respectively, operatively connected to fans for pulling air from betweenthe plurality of pallets 601A-610A and 601B-610B and along a length ofthe space S formed between the two rows and for discharging the aireither upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. The discharge ofair upwardly permits the air that has been warmed by blast freezing acommodity to be discharged towards the ceiling in the room in which thepallets are positioned.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method to freeze acommodity includes positioning a plurality of boxes of a commodityarranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. Forming a plenumbetween the two rows of boxes to permit a flow of air throughventilation holes in the boxes. Forcing air in a normal freezertemperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to −20 degrees F.(−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) along a length of the spaceformed between the two rows and through the ventilation holes in theboxes and discharging the air therefrom and providing an even flow ofair to evenly force air along the length of the space formed between thetwo rows of boxes and through the ventilation holes in the boxes toevenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method to freeze acommodity includes the steps of providing a first and second box of acommodity being disposed adjacent to each other with a space formedtherebetween. Forming a plenum between the first box and said second boxto permit a flow of air through the boxes. Forcing air in a normalfreezer temperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to −20 degreesF. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) along a length of the spaceformed between the first box and second box and through the first andsecond boxes and discharging the air therefrom and providing an evenflow of air to evenly force air along the length of the space formedbetween the first and second boxes and through the first box and thesecond box to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method to freeze acommodity includes the steps of providing a plurality of pallets of acommodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or heightwith a space formed therebetween. Providing ventilation spacersunderneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the pallets whereinventilation is provided therebetween. Forming a plenum between said tworows of pallets wherein a flow of air is forced along the length of aspace formed between the two rows of pallets and through the ventilationspacers disposed underneath the boxes on the pallets. Forcing air in anormal freezer temperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to −20degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) along a length ofthe space formed between the two rows of pallets and through theventilation spacer disposed underneath the boxes and discharging the airtherefrom and providing an even flow of air to evenly force air alongthe length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets andthrough the ventilation spacers to evenly freeze a commodity positionedin the boxes on the pallets.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

1. A method to freeze a commodity comprising the following steps:positioning a plurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rowswith a space formed therebetween; forming a plenum between said two rowsof boxes to permit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes;pulling air in a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.)through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of thespace formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom; andproviding an even flow of air to evenly pull air through the ventilationholes in the boxes and along the length of the space formed between thetwo rows of boxes to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said commodity is a foodproduct.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the commodity is afood product and the method is performed in a normal freezer that ismaintained at a temperature in a temperature range of approximately 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.).4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the air is pulled fromapproximately midway between the two rows of boxes for evenly pullingair through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along the length ofthe space formed between the two rows.
 5. The method according to claim1, and further including at least one air handler having a housing thatincludes a width that is approximately the size of a width of the tworows of boxes and a width of the plenum between the two rows of boxes ofthe commodity and at least one fan operatively connected to a motordisposed within the housing for pulling air through the ventilationholes in the boxes and along the length of the space formed between thetwo rows.
 6. The method according to claim 1, and further including thestep of providing a sealing cover on top of the space for sealing thespace between the two rows of boxes to form the plenum, wherein theboxes are at least one box in width along the predetermined length orheight.
 7. The method according to claim 1, and further including thestep of providing a cover for covering any space formed between adjacentboxes.
 8. The method according to claim 1, and further including atleast one air handler mounted above and in direct communication with theplenum and at least one fan operatively connected to a motor disposedwithin the at least one air handler for pulling air through theventilation holes in the boxes and along the length of the space formedbetween the two rows.
 9. The method according to claim 1, and furtherincluding two or more air handlers, each air handler being mounted aboveand in direct communication with the plenum, each air handler beingpositioned along the rows of boxes and at least one fan beingoperatively connected to a motor disposed within the two or more airhandlers for pulling air through the ventilation holes in the boxes andalong the length of the space formed between the two rows.
 10. Themethod according to claim 6, and further including the step of extendingthe sealing cover along an end surface of the space for sealing thespace between the two rows of boxes to form the plenum.
 11. A method tofreeze a commodity comprising the following steps: providing a first boxof a commodity; providing a second box of a commodity; providing saidfirst and second boxes being disposed adjacent to each other with aspace formed therebetween; forming a plenum between said first box andsaid second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes; pulling airin a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to−20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) through theboxes and along a length of the space formed between the first box andsecond box and discharging the air therefrom; and providing an even flowof air to evenly pull air through the first box and the second box andalong the length of the space formed between the first and second boxesto evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.
 12. A method tofreeze a commodity comprising the following steps: providing a pluralityof pallets of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predeterminedlength or height with a space formed therebetween; providing ventilationspacers underneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the palletswherein ventilation is provided therebetween; forming a plenum betweensaid two rows of pallets wherein a flow of air is pulled through theventilation spacers disposed underneath the boxes on the pallets;pulling air in a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.)through the ventilation spacer disposed underneath the boxes and along alength of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the airtherefrom; and providing an even flow of air to evenly pull air throughthe ventilation spacers and along the length of the space formed betweenthe two rows of pallets to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in theboxes on the pallets.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein saidcommodity is a food product.
 14. The method according to claim 12, andfurther including at least one air handler having a housing thatincludes a width that is approximately the size of a width of the tworows of pallets and the width of the plenum between the two rows ofpallets of the commodity and at least one fan operatively connected to amotor disposed within the housing for pulling air through theventilation spacers positioned underneath at least adjacent boxes andalong the length of the space formed between the two rows.
 15. Themethod according to claim 12, and further including the step ofproviding a sealing cover on top of the space for sealing the spacebetween the two rows of pallets to form the plenum.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 12, and further including the step of providing acover for covering any space formed between adjacent boxes.
 17. Themethod according to claim 12, and further including at least one airhandler mounted above and in direct communication with the plenum and atleast one fan operatively connected to a motor disposed within the atleast one air handler for pulling air through the ventilation spacersunderneath at least adjacent boxes and along the length of the spaceformed between the two rows.
 18. The method according to claim 12, andfurther including two or more air handlers, each air handler beingmounted above and in direct communication with the plenum, each airhandler being positioned along the rows of boxes and at least one fanbeing operatively connected to a motor disposed within the two or moreair handlers for pulling air through the ventilation spacers underneathat least adjacent boxes and along the length of the space formed betweenthe two rows.
 19. The method according to claim 15, and furtherincluding the step of extending the sealing cover along an end surfaceof the space for sealing the space between the two rows of boxes to formthe plenum.
 20. The method according to claim 12, wherein saidventilation spacers are constructed of corrugated material.
 21. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein said ventilation spacers areconstructed of wood slats.
 22. The method according to claim 12, whereinsaid ventilation spacers are constructed of plastic material.
 23. Amethod to freeze a commodity comprising the following steps: positioninga plurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rows with a spaceformed therebetween; forming a plenum between said two rows of boxes topermit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes; forcing airin a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to−20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) through theventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space formedbetween the two rows and discharging the air therefrom; and providing aneven flow of air to evenly force air along the length of the spaceformed between the two rows of boxes and through the ventilation holesin the boxes to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes.
 24. Amethod to freeze a commodity comprising the following steps: providing afirst box of a commodity; providing a second box of a commodity;providing said first and second boxes being disposed adjacent to eachother with a space formed therebetween; forming a plenum between saidfirst box and said second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes;forcing air in a normal freezer temperature range of approximately 8degrees F. to −20 degrees F. (−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.)along a length of the space formed between the first box and second boxand through the first and second boxes and discharging the airtherefrom; and providing an even flow of air to evenly force air alongthe length of the space formed between the first and second boxes andthrough the first box and the second box to evenly freeze a commoditypositioned in the boxes.
 25. A method to freeze a commodity comprisingthe following steps: providing a plurality of pallets of a commodityarranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with aspace formed therebetween; providing ventilation spacers underneath atleast adjacent boxes positioned on the pallets wherein ventilation isprovided therebetween; forming a plenum between said two rows of palletswherein a flow of air is forced through the ventilation spacers disposedunderneath the boxes on the pallets; forcing air in a normal freezertemperature range of approximately 8 degrees F. to −20 degrees F.(−13.33 degrees C. to −28.88 degrees C.) along a length of the spaceformed between the two rows and through the ventilation spacer disposedunderneath the boxes and discharging the air therefrom; and providing aneven flow of air to evenly force air along the length of the spaceformed between the two rows of pallets and through the ventilationspacers to evenly freeze a commodity positioned in the boxes on thepallets.